How to install non-Google Play apps on your Sony Xperia U

We show you how to install non-Google Play applications onto your Sony Xperia U Android phone

If you're the owner of a Sony Xperia U, it's likely that you opted for this device, at least in part, because of its Android operating system. Android is now the most-used operating system on the planet, beating iOS by a huge margin, and a lot of users state the flexibility and customisation potential of Android as a deciding factor when making their choice of smartphone.

Obviously, Android devices have access to Google Play for (nearly) all of their App needs but there may come a time when want to install a third-party app not endorsed by Google.

While neither Google nor Sony recommend this, they still allow you the option to do it (see...flexible!) and we're going to show you how it's done.

[NOTE - Installing apps that aren't guaranteed as safe by Google or Sony carries some risk. There are viruses and malware on the Android platform and your personal data may be at risk if you don't get your after-market .apk's from a reliable and trustworthy source. We won't be held responsible for any damage though, so choose carefully]

First, you need to prepare your device:

Grab your Sony Xperia U

Tap ‘Menu'

Tap ‘Settings'

Choose ‘Applications'

Scroll down to ‘Unknown Sources'

Tap the checkbox

Next, you need pop the .apk file you wanted to install on your device's memory